What it actually does
Niacinamide is one of those ingredients that dermatologists keep recommending because it genuinely does stuff. Pore appearance, uneven skin tone, excess oil, a bit of brightening over time. The Ordinary's version pairs it with 1% zinc, which helps calm things down if your skin runs oily or prone to breakouts. At 10%, the concentration is proper high for a drugstore product.
Personally, I started using this after a mate with noticeably good skin mentioned she'd been on it for six months. Nothing flashy, just fewer congested patches and a more even complexion after a few weeks. It's not overnight magic, mate. You need patience.
The texture, the smell, the honest bit
It's a clear, slightly viscous serum. Goes on fine under moisturiser. No scent worth mentioning. The one reservation I'd flag: some people do experience a kind of pilling effect if they layer too many products on top too quickly. Let it sink in properly first.
Also worth knowing, niacinamide at high concentrations can cause a mild flush on sensitive skin, especially early on. Not common, but not unheard of.
Who this is for
Oily or combination skin, anyone dealing with large-looking pores or post-blemish marks. Not a serum for very dry or reactive skin types, at least not without patching testing it first.
At around three to four quid with the voucher, it's borderline absurd value. This is the kind of product where you buy a second bottle before the first one runs out, just in case.
